As part of the U-T's week-long college football preview series. Here's how the Mountain West shakes out in 2013:

The Favorite

Fresno State. Quarterback Derek Carr is a dark horse Heisman candidate, and the Bulldogs return a ton of receiving talent, including MWC Freshman of the Year Davante Adams, who finished 2012 with 1,312 yards and 14 touchdowns. Aside from Adams, Isaiah Burse, Josh Harper and tight end Marcel Jensen are all huge threats too. On defense, Fresno returns one of the league’s best secondaries, with interception machines in safety Derron Smith and cornerback Sean Alston.

The Runner-Up

Boise State is the favorite to win the Mountain division, but I predict a defeat to Fresno in the title game. The Broncos’ offense should make strides in QB Joe Southwick’s second year at QB. They return receiver Matt Miller (66 rec, 769 yards) and big receiving tight end Gabe Linehan. But defensively, they need to fill spots at linebacker and cornerback and that could be a weakness in a quarterback-rich league with some high-scoring offenses.

The Underdog

MWC newcomer San Jose State will debut a new head coach and a revamped offense, and how well the Spartans take to execute that will determine their season. But on paper, SJSU could push Fresno and SDSU for the West division title. QB David Fales was the most accurate in the FBS last season, and he’ll have receivers Noel Grigsby and Chandler Jones back. Defensively, SJSU has an impressive linebacking corps, and a shutdown CB in Bene Benkiwere.

Players to Watch

Derek Carr, SR, QB, Fresno State

Derek Carr threw for 4,104 yards and 37 TDs to 7 INTs in 2012 while concealing an abdominal muscle tear all season. Carr was in pain every time he threw the ball or took a hit. This year, he’s back to 100 percent, so watch for him to scramble more.

David Fales, SR, QB, San Jose State

David Fales set school records for passing yards (4,193) touchdowns (33) total offense (4,054) and completion percentage (72.5) in 2012. He’s known for his accuracy and his ability to stay calm in the face of pressure. Fales is tough to disrupt because he’s unflappable even with the defense in his face.

Chuckie Keeton, JR, QB, Utah State

Chuckie Keeton and the Aggies could fight Boise State for the Mountain division crown. Keeton is a dual-threat QB who’s as efficient on the ground and through the air. He threw for 3,373 yards and 27 TDs last season, and the Aggies’ second leading rusher, with 619 yards and eight TDs.

Games to Watch

Boise at. Fresno (Sept. 20)

Here’s an early peek at what could potentially be the matchup in the inaugural Mountain West title game. The Broncos only return four defensive starters from 2012. Still, Chris Petersen is known for mechanically restocking talent. Will Boise’s defense be able to shut down Derek Carr and his receiving corps?

Boise at. Utah State (Oct. 12)

The Aggies went 11-2 in the WAC in 2012, but here’s a chance for them to measure up against the cream of the MWC. A win against Boise State at Romney Stadium might suggest a changing of the guard. The Aggies are loaded on offense, and stocked at LB on defense.

Fresno at. SDSU (Oct. 26)

This game could decide the West division title. SDSU wants to avenge its 2012 defeat to Fresno State – a game where Derek Carr mechanically picked apart the Aztecs’ secondary. The Aztecs bring a much-improved pass rush and a new open offense to the rivalry against a fellow Cal State institution.

Writer’s take

Everyone thinks the inaugural MWC title will be a showdown between Boise and Fresno. But that’s not necessarily a foregone conclusion. The new-look Mountain West is deep with talent. Utah State and SJSU both finished 2012 ranked in the top-25, and they return a plethora of starters to challenge the MWC tri-champions. Fresno State is a favorite for the title, but SDSU, Boise State and the two newcomers could all pose some stiff competition.